Responsibilities: Develop and implement a plan for ombuds services for faculty, staff and students utilizing the USM Guidelines for Ombudsperson; serve as initial point of contact for visitors seeking assistance from the Ombudsperson; recognize issues that pose potential legal liability and triage those matters to the appropriate resource (e.g. Equity Compliance, Police Department, Counseling Services or Human Resources); assess faculty, staff and students' and manage resolution of disputes among multiple parties; understand, identify, and explain relevant University policies and procedures; mediate conflicts where appropriate if all parties agree to mediation; utilize conflict resolution and mediation techniques and skills and independently work with individuals to present a range of options to resolve conflict; adhere to the International Ombudsman Association's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice; embrace diversity and inclusion and be able to work with individuals from a broad variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences; analyze trends or recurring issues and, if possible, draft policies and procedures for approval by the President; provide an early warning of new areas of organizational concern; analyze complex conflict issues and concerns brought to office and provide feedback to the University or department regarding campus systemic issues; collaboratively meet with other offices responsible for redressing the faculty, staff, and student needs; maintain records regarding cases and workload and meet regularly with the President; provide quarterly and annual reports or activities, trends and recommendations; manage administrative staff as appropriate; responsible for administrative functions which include updating manuals, guides, forms, web content, surveys, trainings and presentations.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred. Minimum five (5) years of experience as a mediator or experience dealing with conflict resolution required. Higher education experience preferred. Outstanding communication skills and ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with individuals at all levels of the organization; ability to display a firm commitment to fairness and respect in the workplace. Must have a genuine desire to promote a supportive climate for all members of Bowie State University community. Must have sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity, and the ability to manage difficult and contentious situations. Demonstrated mediation, arbitration and/or conflict resolution skills. Mature judgment and a thorough appreciation of and sensitivity to the academic and research environment of the University. High degree of credibility and integrity. Ability to interact effectively with academic and administrative leadership and with staff at all levels while, at the same time, maintaining independence and objectivity; strong organizational and administrative skills; ability to become knowledgeable about the University, its structure, culture, and policies.

Conditions of Employment: Selected candidate is required to obtain a certification in mediation within the first year of employment is required.